YOURLS is free, open-source PHP software for running a URL-shortening service on your own server and domain. It supports web, API, and self-hosted use, with custom domains and reports covering historical clicks, referrers, and visitor geolocation. Bookmarklets can shorten and share links. The API creates or retrieves short URLs, expands links, returns statistics, and outputs JSON, XML, or raw text. A plugin architecture adds features without changing core files, although creating plugins requires PHP knowledge. API authentication supports a username and password or a passwordless signature. Private mode protects the admin area with login credentials by default; public mode allows anyone with the URL to access it. Installation involves uploading files to a website, configuring the software, and connecting a database. Requirements include PHP 8.1 or later, MySQL 5 or later, a web server with mod_rewrite enabled, and HTTPS support. YOURLS automatically replaces plain-text configuration passwords with encrypted hashes when it runs. The YOURLS plan is free, and the code is licensed under MIT; documentation uses CC BY 4.0.
Who it is for
YOURLS suits individuals or organizations wanting to host URL shortening on their own server and domain. It fits users comfortable managing PHP, MySQL, web-server configuration, and optional plugins.
What is good
- Free and open-source under the MIT license
- Self-hosted custom-domain URL shortening
- API returns links and statistics in multiple formats
- Historical clicks, referrers, and geolocation reports
- Private admin mode enabled by default
What to know first
- Requires PHP 8.1 or later
- Needs MySQL and mod_rewrite-enabled web server
- HTTPS is required
- Public shortening requires spam and security management
Verdict
YOURLS gives technically capable users control over a self-hosted short-link service, including APIs, reports, and plugins. Its server requirements and the operational risks of public shortening should be considered before deployment.
YOURLS plans and pricing
All plansCompared on URL shorteners
- Free plan
- Yes
- Custom domains
- Yes
- API access
- Yes
